Why can I run really fast sometimes and really struggle at other times?
We went on a mini parkrun adventure this morning with a local mate of ours. He likes to collect random stats and, when we're home, we tag along with him for some fun company.
It was our first parkrun since arriving home, and the usual banter was happening as if we'd never left.
When Brad and our mate were jogging along, "cruising" as they put it, they were 100-200 metres ahead of me for most of the way.
Our mate was trying to stay in his Zone 2 but I felt like I was working HARD just keeping them within sight.
He had the hide to tell me to work a bit harder when they crossed my path at a turnaround. I just screwed my face up in response.
When we got back to the cafe afterwards, I showed him my heart rate graph (pictured here as a screenshot from Garmin Connect).
He was shocked. We ended up finishing together and yet his average HR was 131 bpm (beats per min) with a high of 141.
He couldn't understand how, on a sprint session, I can run faster than almost every single one of our running friends. But at a "cruise" 5 km parkrun where we slid in just under 30 mins, I'm struggling.
Tbh, I wonder the same!
Is it just a lack of consistent training?
Is it my notoriously broken sleep?
Is it stressing about some of the things that have happened since we got home?
Or a combination of all of these?
If you know a lot more than me about exercise and training principles, and you have any ideas, I'd love to know!! 👇
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Honestly, I don't know how you do it. Every attempt I try to jog I feel sick and my minds keeps telling me, why run when cycling travels 10x the distance in 1/5 the time.
Yes the battle is with my mind, I admit I'm weak LoL. I used to run (many many years ago), I understand the wonderful feeling one gets after a run.
I don't know that you're weak. I think if you're feeling sick every time you try to run but you love cycling, then go with the latter!
I used to run a lot. Even did heart rate training for a period and it turned out to be the best training I ever did. Less injuries and all. As far as your issue. I am not sure, but I did ask ChatGPT and the response makes sense. I will also ask my oldest son. HE is a chiro doc and a certified strength and conditioning coach.
Below is a snap from the chatgpt:
Why you can be fast and struggle at 5K
A few likely explanations:
You’re probably more power-dominant than endurance-adapted.
That means your body is great at short efforts but not as efficient at clearing fatigue over longer efforts.
Your pacing perception might be off.
If you’re used to sprinting, a “cruise” pace can feel weirdly uncomfortable because it sits right in that in-between zone, not easy, not all-out.
Your aerobic base might just not be built yet.
Totally normal. Sprint ability doesn’t automatically translate to endurance.
The key insight
You’re not “worse” at running.
You’re just specialized right now.
Some people are diesel engines.
You’re more like a sports car.
If you wanted to balance it out
Without overcomplicating it, the missing pieces are usually:
Easy longer runs (build aerobic base)
Tempo runs (teach your body to hold effort)
Consistent pacing practice
And the good news?
Endurance is much more trainable than raw sprint speed.
Oh, how kind of you @coinjoe! Thank you so much 🙏
So, that was an interesting idea to prompt ChatGPT. Knowing my own running history and health well, the key things that stood out and are useful for me to play with are:
I'm lacking an aerobic base right now.
I can build an aerobic base.
I should probably go back to heart rate training again.
And, there is hope, because:
I don’t know much about these things, but I find it interesting that you’re asking yourself all these questions. From my ignorance, I’d say you’re human and your body responds according to how life comes at you. Just don’t ever stop moving.
For someone who claims ignorance, I'd say you're pretty wise, friend.
🤔
☺️
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It’s fascinating how a simple run can become a reflection of our inner struggles and achievements. Comparing yourself to your friends can be discouraging, but remember that everyone has their own pace and circumstances. It’s natural to question your performance and the factors that influence it, such as training, sleep and stress. The important thing is that you’ve thrown yourself into the adventure and surrounded yourself with good company, which always helps. Every step you take is an opportunity to learn and grow, and the fact that you’re reflecting on it is already a step in the right direction. Keep enjoying the process and every race, because the real victory lies in the effort and perseverance!